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percent bracket permanent, they pay with all their heart, people who are putting $1,000 next year. We’re running up taxes food on the table. on this family, and it affects their ability I want to repeat to you what I said be- to make decisions. It affects their future. fore. This country has overcome a lot, and It’s just—it doesn’t make any sense for we’re moving forward with optimism and Congress not to make the tax relief perma- confidence. You know why? Because we’ve nent. And the best way that I can possibly got great people. And I’m proud to be the tell the story—they’re used to me—is all leader of such a strong nation. they’ve got to do is listen to what tax relief Thank you all for coming. God bless. meant for people in their lives and what NOTE tax increases would do. And so I call upon : The President spoke at 10:52 a.m. at ISCO Industries. In his remarks, he referred Congress to listen to the voices of the peo- to Senator Mitch McConnell of , ple out here struggling to get ahead in husband of Secretary of Labor Elaine L. America, people who are making good deci- Chao; Gov. and Lt. Gov. sions, people who are doing their duty as of Kentucky; and Mayor Jerry responsible citizens to love their children E. Abramson of Louisville, KY.

Remarks at a Bush-Cheney Luncheon in Louisville February 26, 2004

Thank you all for coming. Thanks for Vice President Cheney is a great Vice your support. Thanks for your friendship. President. He’s done a heck of a good job Thanks for your warm welcome. I’m proud for our country. Our country has had no to be back here in the great Common- finer Vice President, although Mother may wealth of Kentucky. I’m pleased to be with have a second opinion. No, I’m proud to so many friends. have him by my side, proud to be cam- I appreciate my friend Darrell Waltrip paigning with him. being here. I was at NASCAR the other I’m also proud of the job Laura is doing. day. Man, I can see why he likes that so She’s a fabulous First Lady for this country. much. [Laughter] It’s an amazing environ- She sends her best, her best wishes and ment. He has a lot to be proud of. He her love to our friends here in Kentucky. had a fabulous career. I know one of his I want to thank Cathy Bailey for taking proudest moments came when his little on a tough job and doing such a good brother won the big race in Florida. I went job. through the same experience. [Laughter] I want to thank Elaine Chao, who is with We’re ready to go here in Kentucky. us today, a member of my Cabinet. I think We’ve got a great organization. I want to when people start to analyze an administra- thank the people who are going to man tion’s effectiveness, they need to look at the phones and put up the signs and get the people in the Cabinet. When people the people to the polls. The Vice President surround themselves with excellence—they and I appreciate all you did for us last should surround themselves with excel- time. We appreciate all you’re going to do lence, and I have. I’ve attracted a really for us this time. We intend to win the good team of people from all walks of life State of Kentucky. to come to the Nation’s Capital and to

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serve something greater than their self-in- this campaign is fully funded and ready to terest: their country. And Elaine is part take our message across the country. of the fabulous Cabinet I put together, and You know, we meet here during the I want to thank you for being here, Elaine. Presidential primary season. We’re wit- And I understand why your husband is not nessing a clear trend. It looks like we have here—he’s voting. But Mitch has done a a winner in the Republican primaries. really good job for the people of Kentucky, [Laughter] The other party’s nomination and I’m proud to call him friend. battle is still playing out. They’re an inter- You need to send back to esting group with a lot of strong differences Washington, DC, as well. I flew down with of opinion. They’re for tax cuts and against today on the plane. We had them, for NAFTA and against NAFTA, for a great visit about Kentucky and the issues the PATRIOT Act, against the PATRIOT down here. She’s a really competent, good Act, in favor of liberating Iraq and opposed person. I know Woody is with us; Anne to it. And that’s just one Senator from Mas- had to go back and cast an important vote. sachusetts. I gave her permission to do so. [Laughter] They haven’t—they’re not finished select- But she really is a fine, fine Representative ing their nominee. Yet this much is certain: of the people of Louisville, Kentucky. You Come November, the voters are going to need to send her back too. have a very clear choice. It’s a choice be- And I appreciate my friend the Governor tween keeping the tax relief that is moving being here. He’s got the—I used to say the economy forward or putting the burden the Governor was the best job in America. of higher taxes back on the American peo- I’m not so sure, because you don’t have much foreign policy. [Laughter] But it’s im- ple. It is a choice between an America that portant to have somebody who is willing leads the world with strength and con- to make decisions, and Ernie is that kind fidence or an America that is uncertain in of person. He’ll do a fine job as a Governor the face of danger. I look forward to setting of this State, and I’m proud—proud, Ernie, these alternatives squarely before the that you ran. I appreciate you coming. American people. I look forward to the And I’m glad Steve Pence is with us, campaign. the Lieutenant Governor. And Secretary of We have a record of historic achieve- State Trey Grayson is here as well. Senate ment. And most importantly, we have a President David Williams—he and I were positive vision for the years ahead, for win- just laughing about the time we cam- ning the war against terror, for extending paigned in southern Kentucky in a mobile peace and freedom throughout our world, home, eating Kentucky barbecue. [Laugh- and for creating jobs and opportunity here ter] Gosh, I hope I get some on the plane at home. We will leave no doubt where going back. But good to see David. And we stand, and we will win on the 2d of Dick Roeding is with us as well. I appre- November. ciate the local and State officials who have The last 3 years have brought serious come today. challenges, and we have given serious an- I want to thank Mike Duncan and Ellen swers. We came to office with an economy Williams, great friends of mine who are heading into recession. We delivered his- helping steer this party to victory. I want toric tax relief, and now our economy is to thank my friend Mercer Reynolds, who the fastest growing of any major industri- is the national finance chairman—he’s from alized nation. We had to confront corporate Cincinnati, Ohio—who has taken time out crimes that cost people their jobs and their of his busy life to help make sure that savings, so we passed strong corporate re- we’re ready to go, that when the bell rings, forms and we made it abundantly clear we

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will not tolerate dishonesty in the board- and prosperity of America are at stake. Our rooms of America. opponents have not offered much in the We saw war and grief arrive on a quiet way of strategies to win the war or policies September morning, so we have pursued to expand the economy. So far, all we hear the terrorist enemy across the world and is a lot of old bitterness and partisan anger. have captured or killed many key leaders Anger is not an agenda for the future of of the Al Qaida network. And the rest of America. We will take on the big issues them will learn there is no cave or hole with optimism and resolve and determina- deep enough to hide from American jus- tion. We stand ready to lead our country tice. for the next 4 years. We confronted the dangers of state-spon- A big issue for every family in America sored terror and the spread of weapons of is the Federal tax burden. With the largest mass destruction, so we ended two of the tax relief since Ronald Reagan was the most violent and dangerous regimes on President, we have left more money in the Earth. We freed more than 50 million peo- hands of those who earned it. By spending ple in those two countries. Once again, and investing, people have helped to move America is proud to lead the armies of this economy forward. More people are liberation. finding work. The American people have When Dick Cheney and I came to Wash- used their money far better than the Gov- ington, we found a military that was under- ernment would have. funded and underappreciated, so we gave Our opponents have their own plan for our military the resources and respect they the tax cuts. They plan to take them away. deserve. And today, no one in the world can question the skill and the strength and They will use that money to expand the the spirit of the military. Federal Government. I have a better idea. When we came to office, people had got- To keep the economy growing, we must ten used to gridlock and old problems were have fiscal discipline in Washington, DC. used to score points. Old problems were To keep the economy growing, the tax cuts politicized and debated and just—then just must be permanent. passed on from year to year. But we didn’t We must do more. We need to protect come to Washington to do things the Wash- small-business owners and employees from ington way. We came to get some things frivolous lawsuits and needless regulation. done. We passed major reforms to raise We need to control the costs of health care standards in public schools all across Amer- by passing medical liability reform. We ica. We passed reforms in Medicare to get need to pass sound energy legislation to prescription drugs and choice to senior citi- modernize our electricity system and to zens. We chose to lead, and we have deliv- make America less dependent on foreign ered results for the American people. sources of energy. Our opponents talk Here’s what I believe: It is the Presi- about job creation, but they’re against every dent’s job to confront problems, not to pass one of these job-creating measures. Empty them on to future Presidents and future talk about jobs won’t get anybody hired. generations. A President needs to step up, The way to create jobs is through our pro- make the hard decisions, and keep his com- growth, pro-entrepreneurial economic agen- mitments. And that is how I will continue da. to lead our country. This economy of ours is going through Great events will turn on this election. a time of challenge and change, and we’re The man who sits in the Oval Office will helping people to gain the skills and secu- set the course of the war on terror and rity to make a good living and to look for- the direction of our economy. The security ward to a good retirement. All skills start

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with education. That’s why I was so insist- wounded but not broken. Terrorists are ent that Congress pass the No Child Left testing our will in Afghanistan and Iraq. Behind Act. It is a good law, a sound piece Regimes in North Korea and Iran are chal- of legislation, historic reform that brings lenging the peace. If America shows weak- high standards and accountability to every ness and uncertainty in this decade, the classroom in America. world will drift toward tragedy. This will There’s more to do. We have a plan to not happen on my watch. help high school students who fall behind No friend or enemy today doubts the in reading and math. We have plans to word of the United States. This Nation is make sure our community colleges train strong. We are steadfast. We are confident workers for the industries that are creating in the cause of freedom. America and our the most new jobs. Education is the gate- allies gave an ultimatum to the terror re- way to a hopeful future, and that gate must gime in Afghanistan. The Taliban chose de- be open to all Americans. fiance. The Taliban are no longer in power. This administration is also working to- America and our allies gave an ultimatum ward an ownership society in which more to the terror regime in Iraq. The dictator people own their own homes to build their chose defiance. The dictator now sits in own savings. We want more people owning a prison cell. their own small businesses. We want people September the 11th, 2001, taught a les- owning and managing their health care son I have not forgotten. America must plans. We want younger workers to own confront threats before they fully mate- and manage their retirement under Social rialize. In Iraq, my administration looked Security. When people have solid assets, at the intelligence, and we saw a danger. they gain independence and security and Members of Congress looked at the intel- dignity and more control over their future. ligence, and they saw danger. The United I believe so strongly in private property, Nations Security Council looked at the in- I want every American to own some. telligence; it saw a danger. The previous On issue after issue, the American peo- administration and Congress looked at the ple have a clear choice. Our opponents are intelligence and made regime change in against personal retirement accounts. Iraq the policy of our country. They’re against putting patients in charge In 2002, the United Nations Security of Medicare. They’re against tax relief. Council yet again demanded a full account- They seem to be against every idea that ing of Saddam Hussein’s weapons pro- gives Americans more authority and more grams. And as he had for over a decade, choices and more control over our own Saddam Hussein refused to comply. So we lives. It’s the same old Washington mindset. had a choice to make, either to take the They’ll give the orders, and you will pay word of a madman or take action to defend the bills. I’ve got news for them. America America and the world. Faced with that has gone beyond that way of thinking, and choice, I will defend America every time. we’re not going back. Inherent in all our Others would have chosen differently. policies is this theme, this belief: We trust They now agree that the world is better the people, not Washington politicians, to off with Saddam removed from power. make the best decisions for their own They just didn’t support removing him money, their own health, their own retire- from power. [Laughter] Maybe they were ment, and their own lives. hoping he would lose the next Iraqi elec- Our future also depends on America’s tion. [Laughter] leadership in the world. The momentum We showed the dictator and the watching of freedom in our time is strong, but we world that America means what it says. Be- still face serious dangers. Al Qaida is cause our coalition acted, Saddam’s torture

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chambers are closed. Because we acted, chaos and carnage of September the 11th, Iraq’s weapons programs are ended forever. it is not enough to serve our enemies with Because we acted, nations like Libya have legal papers. With those attacks, the terror- gotten the message and renounced their ists and supporters declared war on the own weapons programs. Because we acted, United States of America, and war is what an example of democracy is rising at the they got. very heart of the Middle East. Because we At bases across our country and the acted, the world is more free and America world, I’ve had the privilege of meeting is more secure. with the men and women of our military We still face thugs and terrorists in Iraq who are defending this country, who are who would rather go on killing the innocent sacrificing for our security. I’ve seen their than accept the advance of liberty. They great decency, their unselfish courage. And know that a free Iraq will be a major defeat I can assure you, ladies and gentlemen, the for the cause of terror. This collection of cause of freedom is in good hands. killers is trying to shake the will of America. Our Nation is prosperous and we are America will never be intimidated by thugs strong, yet we need to remember that our and assassins. greatest strength is in the hearts and souls We’re aggressively striking the terrorists of our citizens. We’re strong because of in Iraq, defeating them there so we don’t the values we try to live by, courage and have to face them in our own country. compassion, reverence and integrity. We’re We’re calling on other nations to help Iraq strong because of the institutions that help build a free society, which makes all of to give us direction and purpose, families us more safe. We’re standing with the Iraqi and schools and religious congregations. people as they assume more of their own These values and institutions are funda- defense and move toward self-government. mental to our lives, and they deserve the These aren’t easy tasks, but they are essen- respect of our Government. tial tasks. We will finish what we have We stand for fair treatment of faith- begun, and we will win this essential victory based groups so they can receive Federal in the war on terror. support for their works of compassion and On national security, Americans have the healing. We will not stand for Government clearest possible choice. Opponents say discrimination against people of faith. We they approve of bold action in the world, stand for welfare reforms that require work but only if no other government disagrees. and strengthen marriage, which have I’m all for united action, and so are the helped millions of Americans find inde- 34 coalition partners we have in Iraq right pendence and dignity. We will not stand now. Yet America must never outsource for any attempt to weaken those reforms America’s national security decision to lead- and to send people back into the lives of ers of other governments. dependence. Some of our opponents are skeptical that We stand for a culture of life in which the war on terror is really a war at all. every person counts and every person mat- They view terrorism more as a crime, a ters. We will not stand for the treatment problem to be solved with law enforcement of any life as a commodity to be experi- and indictments. Our Nation followed that mented upon or exploited or cloned. We approach after the World Trade Center was stand for the confirmation of judges who bombed in 1993. The matter was handled strictly and faithfully interpret the law. We in the courts and thought by some to be will not stand for judges who undermine settled. Terrorists were still training in Af- democracy by legislating from the bench ghanistan, still plotting in other nations, and or try to remake the culture of America drawing up more ambitious plans. After the by court order.

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We stand for a culture of responsibility In these times, I’ve also been a witness in America. We’re changing the culture in to the character of this Nation. Not long this country from one that has said, ‘‘If ago, some had their doubts about the it feels good, do it,’’ and, ‘‘If you’ve got American character, a capacity to meet seri- a problem, blame somebody else,’’ to a cul- ous challenges, capacity to serve a cause ture in which each of us understands we’re greater than self-interest. Americans have responsible for the decisions we make in given their answer. I’ve seen the unselfish life. If you are fortunate enough to be a courage of our troops. I’ve seen the her- mother or a father, you’re responsible for oism of Americans in the face of danger. loving your child with all your heart. If I’ve seen the spirit of service and compas- you’re worried about the quality of the edu- sion renewed in our country. We all have cation in the community in which you live, seen our Nation unite in common purpose you’re responsible for doing something when it mattered most. about it. If you’re a CEO in corporate We will need all of these qualities for America, you’re responsible for telling the the work ahead. We have a war to win. truth to your shareholders and your em- And the world is counting on us to lead ployees. And in this new responsibility soci- the cause of freedom and peace. We have ety, each of us is responsible for loving a duty to spread opportunity to every part our neighbor just like we’d like to be loved of America. This is the work that history ourself. has set before us. We welcome it. And For all Americans, these years in our his- we know that for our country, the best tory will always stand apart. There are quiet days lie ahead. times in the life of the Nation when little May God bless you all. is expected of our leaders. This is not one of those times. You and I are living in a period when the stakes are high, the chal- NOTE: The President spoke at 12:35 p.m. at lenges are difficult, the choices are clear, the Galt House Hotel. In his remarks, he re- a time where resolve is needed. None of ferred to NASCAR drivers Darrell and Mi- us will ever forget that week when one chael Waltrip; Cathy Bailey, national com- era ended and another began. mitteewoman, Mike Duncan, national com- On September the 14th, 2001, I stood mitteeman, and Ellen Williams, chairperson, in the ruins of the Twin Towers. I remem- Republican Party of Kentucky; Senator ber a lot about that day. Workers in hard- Mitch McConnell of Kentucky, husband of hats were shouting, ‘‘Whatever it takes.’’ I Secretary of Labor Elaine L. Chao; Robert remember a guy pointing at me and saying, W. ‘‘Woody’’ Northup, husband of Rep- ‘‘Don’t let me down.’’ As we did all—as resentative Anne M. Northup; Gov. Ernie we all did that day, the men and women Fletcher and Lt. Gov. Steve Pence of Ken- who were searching through the rubble tucky; Kentucky Secretary of State Trey took it personally. I took it personally. I Grayson; David Williams, president, and have a great responsibility that goes on. Richard L. Roeding, president pro tem, Ken- I will never relent in bringing justice to tucky State Senate; and Mercer Reynolds, our enemies. I will defend the security of national finance chairman, Bush-Cheney ’04, America, whatever it takes. Inc.

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Statement on House of Representatives Passage of Legislation To Protect Unborn Victims of Violence February 26, 2004

I applaud the House for passing the there are two victims—the mother and the ‘‘Unborn Victims of Violence Act’’ today by unborn child—and both victims should be a strong bipartisan vote. We must continue protected by Federal law. to build a culture of life in our country, I urge the Senate to pass this bill so a compassionate society in which every that I can sign it into law. child is born into a loving family and pro- tected by law. Pregnant women who have been harmed by violence, and their families, know that NOTE: The statement referred to H.R. 1997.

Message to the Congress on Continuation and Expansion of the National Emergency With Respect to Cuba February 26, 2004

To the Congress of the United States: such rules and regulations that the Sec- Pursuant to section 1 of title I of Public retary may find appropriate to prevent un- Law 65–24, ch. 30, 50 U.S.C. 191, and authorized U.S. vessels from entering sections 201 and 301 of the National Emer- Cuban territorial waters. gencies Act, 50 U.S.C. 1601 et seq., I here- I have authorized these rules and regula- by report that I have exercised my statutory tions as a result of the Cuban government’s authority to continue the national emer- demonstrated willingness to use reckless gency declared in Proclamation 6867 of force, including deadly force, in the osten- March 1, 1996, in response to the Cuban sible enforcement of its sovereignty. I have government’s destruction of two unarmed also authorized these rules and regulations U.S.-registered civilian aircraft in inter- in an effort to deny resources to the repres- national airspace north of Cuba. Addition- sive Cuban government that may be used ally, I have exercised my authority to ex- by that government to support terrorist ac- pand the scope of the national emergency tivities and carry out excessive use of force as, over the last year, the Cuban govern- against innocent victims, including U.S. citi- ment, which is a designated state-sponsor zens and other persons residing in the of terrorism, has taken a series of steps United States, and threaten a disturbance to destabilize relations with the United of international relations. Accordingly, I States, including threatening to abrogate have continued and expanded the national the Migration Accords with the United emergency in response to these threats. States and to close the U.S. Interests Sec- GEORGE W. BUSH tion. This conduct has caused a sudden and The White House, worsening disturbance of U.S. international February 26, 2004. relations. In my proclamation (copy attached), I NOTE: The proclamation and the notice on have authorized and directed the Secretary continuation are listed in Appendix D at the of Homeland Security to make and issue end of this volume.

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